Metal Muthas: Chase Mason (Gatecreeper & Spirit Adrift)

Every so often, we take a little time on Mondays (or Friday, when Mother’s Day is on the horizon) to pay tribute to the Muthas! That is, reprinting the adorable metal/maternal Q&As that run in the magazine. Today, enjoy Andrew Bonazelli’s chat with Amy Lee Mason, Metal Mutha of Chase Mason, of Sprit Adrift and Gatecreeper.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

I was born in Phoenix, AZ, and raised in nearby Mesa. I grew up in a fragmented, somewhat dysfunctional home. I wanted to provide Chase with a more stable upbringing, and I think my husband Jeff and I provided that for him. Chase has two brothers and a sister [who] live in different states. They have all been to see his shows, and have even brought along a friend or two to join them.

What was Chase like growing up? Was he interested in music from an early age?

When Chase was very young, he was so smart, funny and cute. When he was two years old, his favorite movie was the Beatles’ Help. He would often sit in front of the TV with his little plastic guitar and play and sing along with the movie. Chase also loved performing from an early age. He had several plastic guitars during his childhood. He would often ask us to come upstairs to his bedroom to hear him play. He would say, “Wanna see my concert?” The plastic guitars were later replaced by a drum set. In junior high and high school, he was in several different bands he formed with his friends. Many times I hauled around drums, guitars and sound systems in the back of our old Suburban as he played shows in various places.

What are your impressions of his onstage persona?

I think he looks rough and tough, which is funny to me. That’s not the Chase I know. He’s a self-proclaimed “mama’s boy.”

What’s something that most people don’t know about your son?

Chase is soft-spoken and has a heart of gold. All his little cousins, nieces and nephews adore him. Since he was young, he has had the ability to relate to and communicate with people of all ages. Through the years, I have watched him help people when he could hardly help himself. He is a kind soul.

Do you have a favorite of any of Chase’s bands?

I would have to say that of his current bands, Spirit Adrift is my favorite. It’s a little more my style.

After his struggles with addiction, how rewarding is it to see your son healthy and fronting a critically-acclaimed band?

We are extremely proud of Chase and his sobriety. We also realize it is a daily choice and struggle to keep sober. In his line of business, he is constantly surrounded by and reminded of his past, but he is strong and determined. He has come a long way! There were times in his life that we weren’t sure if he would live another day. We are so happy to see him healthy and doing something he loves. We hope Chase’s visibility and success will help others who suffer with addictions to see that there is hope.